Learn More About Aletta Rochat

Favorite book
The Art of Possibility by Benjamin Zander and Rosamund Stone Zander  

Favorite object in office
A red, heart-shaped stone. I bought this in Namibia while on a District visit. I bought one for each of my kids as it reminds me of them, even when they are not at home.  

Longest distance hiked
We once hiked 30 kilometers [18.64 miles] in one day—only because we lost our way and ended up hiking two days’ distance in a single day! (In the days before GPS tracking.)  

Happiest memory from the International Convention
Every convention feels like a family reunion! Each year I attend, that family grows bigger and bigger. While I was on the District trio, a few of us would arrive at convention early and spend a few days touring around. I made great friends and shared many laughs together!  

First activity after returning home from traveling
Spend time sitting down with my husband, Rory, our dog, Bella, and our cat, Tiggy. We have some tea and catch up on news and cuddles.  

Bucket-list travel destination
I love to walk and hike, so doing the Camino de Santiago in Europe (a pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in scenic northwest Spain) is definitely on my bucket list.  

Pre-speech routine
I always spend a few moments in gratitude for the opportunity to speak to an audience. I ground myself, silence my busy mind, and trust that I will find the right words—so that my message resonates with the audience.  

Favorite activity to do as a family
Our kids all live far away from home. (Nicole, 33, lives in Tashkent, Uzbekistan; Kate, 31, is based in Berlin; Trevor, 26, lives in Frankfurt, Germany.) On the occasions one or more of them are home, we love to “braai” (the South African word for “barbeque”) on our patio looking out at the garden.  

Best part about serving on the Toastmasters Board of Directors
Meeting people from different countries and backgrounds. I love hearing their perspectives on issues, which deepens my understanding. Ultimately, this global perspective leads to better decision-making.  

Favorite places to go in Cape Town (her hometown)
Taking the cable car up to the top of Table Mountain. Here you get spectacular views of the coastline. Walking in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Where you get to see the incredible floral diversity that is unique to the Cape Peninsula. Walking from Muizenberg to St. James on the coastal boardwalk. Here you get close to the sea, the sea birds, and lots of interesting people enjoying the sunshine. Boulder’s Beach, where you can get close to our very own colony of penguins!  

Favorite spectator sport
Rugby—it is very popular in South Africa. We are so proud of our national team, the Springboks, the first team to ever win four Rugby World Cup titles. And they won the last two consecutively. (The World Cup takes place every four years.)  

Best piece of advice received
Remember that you belong” from Matt Kinsey, DTM (2022–2023 International President), who shared this piece of advice when I was running for Second Vice President (on the Board). It resonated with me and helped me approach issues and decisions as if I were already Second VP. I’ve shared this concept with many of my clients and it has proved to be powerful.